Car documents to check when buying a used car in India

Documents to collect from the seller

Registration Certificate (RC Book). Issued by the Regional Transport Officer. It records ownership history, date of registration, engine and chassis numbers, and the state of registration. Compare the chassis number on the RC Book with the number stamped on the vehicle itself — they should match. A mismatch can indicate an engine or part replacement.

Tax Certificate Book (TC Book). Shows whether road tax has been paid. Unlike the annual road tax used in many Western countries, Indian road tax is a one-time lifetime payment. If it is unpaid, the liability can fall on the buyer.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Required for all vehicles in India. Valid for one year on new cars and six months on used cars, depending on age.

Original purchase invoice. Shows engine and chassis numbers, the date of purchase, the original owner's name, and financing history.

Insurance documentation. Needed to confirm the policy can be transferred into the buyer's name.

No Objection Certificate (NOC). Required from the finance company if the vehicle was financed, confirming there is no outstanding loan or claim on the car.

Buyer precautions

Always verify the car is loan-free before you pay. If a loan is still attached, you can inherit the debt.

Buy from people you know when possible. Cars being sold by strangers, especially those registered out of state, carry a higher risk of forged documents or theft. Interstate vehicles often look cheaper, but interstate tax payments and paperwork to re-register usually eat up the saving.